Borgu attacks: NSCIA demands urgent rescue of abducted Muslim worshippers

Borgu attacks: NSCIA demands urgent rescue of abducted Muslim worshippers

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, demanding the immediate rescue of residents still held captive and stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.

The council described the reported killing and abduction of civilians, including Muslim worshippers, as barbaric and unacceptable, urging the Federal Government to treat the situation as a national security emergency.

The attacks reportedly occurred on August 21, 2026, across Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities in Borgu Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA said about 30 people were reportedly killed, while several others were injured and dozens abducted.

The council said the attack on Dekara was particularly disturbing because armed attackers reportedly entered the Central Mosque during Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 worshippers.

However, casualty and abduction figures have varied in reports, with authorities continuing to establish the full extent of the attacks. The Niger State Police Command initially said it could not confirm the number of people abducted, while a joint security operation was deployed to the affected communities.

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The NSCIA, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said the incident represented an attack not only on innocent Nigerians but also on the sanctity of worship and the right of citizens to practise their religion without fear.

The council also cautioned against presenting Nigeria’s security crisis as an attack on one particular religious community, noting that armed groups have continued to target Nigerians across different faiths and communities.

The latest violence has heightened concerns about the security situation around Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding forest corridors, which have repeatedly been linked to armed groups and kidnapping activities.

The Niger State Government said security agencies had been mobilised following the attacks to assess the situation, pursue the perpetrators and facilitate the rescue of abducted residents.

Governor Umaru Bago also urged residents and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine security operations or create further panic.

The attacks have also raised concerns because they occurred shortly after a major security operation in the same general area.

On August 5, security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted people from the Kainji Lake National Park forest. The victims included 163 people abducted from Woro in Kwara State and 145 from communities in Borgu, Niger State.

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The NSCIA commended the security forces for the rescue operation but said the latest attacks raised questions about the sustainability of the security gains and the ability of armed groups to return to vulnerable communities.

The council consequently called on the Federal Government to urgently review security arrangements across Niger and Kwara states and adjoining border communities, particularly around Kainji Lake National Park and other forest corridors.

It demanded the immediate deployment of adequate resources to locate and rescue all remaining captives, stressing that their safe return must be treated as a national priority.

The NSCIA also called for increased aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations to prevent armed groups from exploiting remote terrain.

It urged authorities to provide security personnel deployed to vulnerable areas with adequate equipment, logistics and operational support.

The council further called for stronger cooperation among state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, local communities and security agencies, including the proper regulation and integration of lawful community vigilante groups into broader community-protection efforts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims of the mass abduction in Niger State.

The NSCIA urged the President, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior and other relevant agencies to treat the Borgu attacks with urgency and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

The council also called for longer-term measures to prevent armed groups from using forests and remote communities as bases for kidnapping and attacks.

The NSCIA condoled with families who lost loved ones, prayed for the recovery of those injured and urged relatives of the abducted victims to remain hopeful while rescue efforts continue.

It also appealed to Muslims in Niger State and across Nigeria to remain steadfast while encouraging all Nigerians to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and protecting vulnerable communities.

The Borgu attacks have further highlighted the security challenges confronting rural communities in north-central Nigeria, where residents continue to face threats from kidnapping, armed attacks and displacement.

The NSCIA maintained that Nigerians have a right to security, justice and freedom of worship, urging authorities to combine immediate rescue operations with sustained measures to prevent similar attacks.

Borgu attacks: NSCIA demands urgent rescue of abducted Muslim worshippers